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www.spec.com.au The HAMILTON SPECTATOR Thursday April 23 2015 1 CASTERTON CUP 24 PAGES WEA THER FORECAST TODY THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015 A: Cloudy GREATER HAMILTON $1.40 inc GST , chance of showers max 19 OMM FRIDY CLASH – Page 24 A: Rain, max 14 COMMUNITY GIFT CAVENDISH’S Purvis family were ecstatic with the community’s fundraising efforts to ensure a new vehicle for Mollie (middle) who suffers with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Pictured with the new Kia Carnival is Rick, Mollie and Lynette Purvis. Photo: PHIL HOLMES 150414ph007 PHIL HOLMES THE Cavendish community has pulled together to help raise almost $20,000 to convert a local disabled teenager’s vehicle for transportation. Mollie Purvis has suffered with the debilitating disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, her entire life. The now 18 year old struggled with the pain associated with the rough ride the family’s 10-year-old Mercedes van offered and it was time for an upgrade. The Cavendish and District Lions Club, together with the Cavendish Primary School, conducted a raffl e and appeal to raise money to assist Mollie. Bound to an electric wheelchair and cared for on a full-time basis by her parents, new transportation was critical as every bump felt in the old van was having a devastating affect on Mollie’s health. The van used in the past decade, which was modifi ed for the electric wheelchair to be driven into the back, was outdated and in dire need of an upgrade. As Mollie has grown older her condition has deteriorated and it is now causing her severe back and hip pain. On top of that, it no longer complied with new Vicroads Laws relating to securing wheelchairs in vehicles and required costly modifi cations. The new Kia Carnival was purchased by the family over a month ago now, but the cost of converting it so that Mollie could comfortably ride along was close to $35,000. This is where the community stepped in and after a grant was awarded to Mollie and her family towards getting the right modifi cations, the rest was raised through local groups. “I’m just so grateful for the community, especially the Lions Club,” Mollie told The Spectator. “It has been really hard making trips in the old car as you really do feel every bump. It’s amazing to think that everyone did this for me.” The new vehicle, which the family has been able to use for the past month, has been a god send for the Purvis family. Mollie is no longer constraint to the rear of the vehicle, instead now she rides up front with the rest of the family, feeling more a part of the regular trips being made to Hamilton and beyond. “It was really hard, but something I got used to (sitting in the back), but now I can bring the chair right up and that’s been great,” Mollie said. “It’s so much more secure too. I don’t feel those bumps I was “Things are much better with this new vehicle and Mollie is much happier. That’s the most important thing here and that’s come mainly from the generosity of people in the region.” before. The trips are much more comfortable, which I’m so happy about.” Mollie’s mother Lynette, who has cared for her daughter with husband Rick, held a thankyou dinner at their home on Tuesday night. She said the community’s support was ‘mind-blowing’ and said the family was overwhelmed by the help received to obtain the new state-of-the-art vehicle. “What can you say? We are just overwhelmed with the support for Mollie,” she said. “It hasn’t been easy, but when you know you’ve got a whole community behind you, it becomes easier. “Things are much better with this new vehicle and Mollie is much happier. That’s the most important thing here and that’s come mainly from the generosity of people in the region.” The Cavendish and District Lions Club decided to run a raffl e and appeal to raise this money, they also obtained a grant from The Australian Lions Foundation on a one-for-one basis as well as donations from the Lions Clubs of Hamilton, Penshurst and Dunkeld. Cavendish Primary School joined in and help with the raffl e and appeal. A lamb drive was conducted with the assistance of the Hamilton Stock Agents Association. With the fundraising efforts, all costs were covered. Pat Dixon, from the Cavendish and District Lions Club, said it was a great result for the Purvis family. “It was a great result achieved in a very short time due to enthusiastic support from the community,” Pat said. “They are thrilled with the new vehicle and Mollie is now enjoying a much more comfortable and less painful ride. “Thanks and congratulations are in order for all who donated items for the raffl e and auction, as well as those who made generous donations of lambs and money to the appeal.”